Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)
Keene Central School is committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel safe, included, welcomed, and accepted, and experience a sense of belonging and academic success.
On June 21, 2022 the Keene Central School Board of Education adopted an Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education Policy
BOE Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education Policy
History of Keene Central School (KCS) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
To support KCS’s commitment to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive environment, the KCS Board of Education (BOE) and Administration directed the formation of a KCS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee during the 2021-2022 school year to examine policies, practices and how to increase equity, inclusivity and diversity at KCS.
In September 2021, an inquiry was sent to students, faculty, staff, and parents to seek individuals interested in serving on a Keene Central School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The first KCS DEI Committee was formed, consisting of:
Four students (Zarela Gulli, Anya Kazmierczak, Maya Silverstein, Ella Whitney)
Two teachers (Laura Eldred, Nicky Gabrielsen)
Two parents (Devon McCabe, Stefanie Valovic)
Two Board of Education members (Molly Jacobson, Jen Kazmierczak)
One administrator (Bob Woughter)
A kick-off meeting of the KCS DEI Committee was held on November 9, 2021. During the 2021-2022 school year, the committee developed a list of DEI resources, brainstormed and developed committee goals, developed a KCS DEI Policy for BOE review and approval, and started work on committee goals.
Areas of Focus
The KCS DEI Committee has centered committee goals and activities around the following areas of focus:
Communications and Outreach
Policy and Assessment
Professional Development and School Curriculum
Welcoming Environment
At the start of each school year, the KCS DEI Committee will establish goals and activities for the upcoming year. The Board of Education will be kept informed of the KCS DEI Committee progress at monthly Board of Education meetings.
Committee Accomplishments September 2021 to Present:
Newsletter articles and bulletin boards (Black History, Women’s History, Neurodiversity)
Monthly reports to the Board of Education
Screening of Film “Race to be Human” and follow up discussion with students in grades 5-12
Public Service Announcement - Halloween Costumes and cultural appropriation
Curation of a DEI book collection in the library
Review of KCS forms to ensure inclusive language
Added global holidays to KCS calendar
Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading to support Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
Facilitated post-incident listening circles
Policy Guidance
New York State Board of Regents Policy Statement
Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the New York State Human Rights Law:
New York State Human Rights Law Protections for Gender Identify & Expression